Our team from the Digital Heritage and Humanities Collections at the University of South Florida (USF) Libraries, is working in collaboration with the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station 45th Space Wing, cultural resources division. We are using the latest in 3D laser scanning and imaging to assist with conservation, management, and public interpretive development of Cape Canaveral’s rich space history.

Using newly available technologies in 3D laser scanning and survey, USF is recording the existing remains of building complexes associated with historical events such as John Glenn’s orbit of the Earth and the Mercury Missions that led the United States into Space. Other important features being documented include launch complexes associated with the American missile program that began largely as a result of the Cold War, such as the Minuteman and Atlas programs, and also the sacred ground resting place for the space shuttle remains from the Challenger disaster.

Many of the structures and complexes are unique in design and use. Today, many are now abandoned and are being lost to time, but through these new 3D technologies, USF is providing valuable information for long-term conservation and future interpretation of these important historical sites.

Data from the Cape Canaveral 3D project is archived, preserved, and/or made available for the future through our USF Libraries digital collections and through our collaboration with the Open Heritage Alliance program.

Visit our Google Arts and Culture Expedition for the project here.

Check out our online Sketchfab collection for Cape Canaveral 3D models here.

Visit our USF Digital Library Collection here.